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MENTAL HEALTH 101

Stress

What is Stress?

Stress if the body's normal reaction to a threat – real or perceived. This reaction gets our body ready to confront the threat or run away from it (fight or flight). Stress reactions are designed to save us from danger. This type of reaction was very handy for humans way back in the day where we had to fend for ourselves in the wild. It isn't so handy nowadays when we have access to food and water and there aren't any wild animals chasing us. Our bodies like to react to things that aren't intended to harm us, and this is what we call stress.

 

A little bit of stress can be a good thing – it motivates us to get things done. But too much stress can make us feel overwhelmed and cause quite a bit of distress. Sometimes stress makes us avoid things/situations altogether.

 

Stress is not just emotional. Many people experience physical symptoms of stress such as sweating, a racing heart, headaches, tense muscles and insomnia. Gastrointestinal symptoms of stress can include nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Over longer periods of time stress can have a negative impact on your overall physical and mental health as well. 

What Can I Do About it?

Recognizing stress is the most important thing. Nobody can live a totally stress-free life, the trick is to limit the bad stress so it doesn't build up and cause problems.

 

Here are some tips to help you deal with stress: 

  • Figure out what is causing your stress. Common sources of stress are jobs, school, relationships and finances.  

  • Troubleshoot the probem – is there something that can be done about this source of stress? Remember to focus on solutions and not road blocks. If the solution seems too hard, break it down into little pieces and take baby steps toward your goal. 

  • Can someone help you with your problem? If so, ask for help! 

  • Talk to someone about your stress. This can be a friend/family member or a counsellor. 

  • Keep it simple! Stress is worse when there are too many things happening at once. Limit your commitments. It is ok to say no sometimes. 

  • Avoid negative thinking traps and learn helpful thinking strategies. The way you think about situations affects the way your mind and body respond to them. A counsellor may be able to help you with this. 

  • Learn about stress management through a counsellor or by reading books, visiting websites and/or taking courses.  

  • Practice yoga, meditation, mindfulness or breathing exercises to help you find your calm. 

  • Get some exercise! It is good for your physical health and exercise also releases endorphins that help to combat the effects of stress. 

  • Do something that is good for your soul. Make time for things you like to do – listen to music, watch a movie, engage in hobbies... whatever makes you happy :) 

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